Spy shots: BMW M-pack to get M3-style bonnet?

Posted Wed Aug 20 2008 9:03 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Critics of BMW’s M Sport Packages often lay claim that the accessories range makes the standard models on which they are applied too similar to the actual M cars. A 3-series Convertible has now been spotted with a M Sport Package bodykit and a new M3-style vented bonnet, suggesting that the visual difference between the standard 3-series and M3 is about to get even harder to define.

The basic M Sport Package for the 3-series comprises an aggressive front bumper with gaping intakes, unique side skirts and new rear bumper. The addition of the M3-style vented bonnet suggests that this could potentially be a test car for BMW’s Performance Parts range for the 3-series. Furthermore, the bonnet pictured here is not identical to the one on the M3. This one has a third vent in place of the M3’s distinct bonnet bulge.

BMW first launched its range of factory-backed performance accessories in September last year. Designed initially for the 3-series and Z4 models, the new range included a host of performance upgrades such as engine power kits, suspension and exhaust mods and even interior styling changes.

More serious upgrades borrowed from the M3 could make their way into the 3-series Performance Parts catalog. Rumored to be in the works is a limited slip differential designed for dual-clutch transmission models as well as a more powerful version of the 3.0L twin-turbo.

Gallery: BMW 3-series Cabrio spied with M3 bonnet

Reader Comments

Wed Aug 20 2008 9:37 PM
justin says

I think this is a horrible idea. When people buy BMW Mproducts, the expect it to be unique and special... they should be able to wake up and find a highly crafted performance benchmark in their driveway. But, instead they find they're neighbor to have an M3 look a like with the same bodystyling. That bodykit was designed to cope with 414 hp not 300 hp. The dual clutch idea is great to transfer though, saves owners couple bucks a yr from gas.
Wed Aug 20 2008 10:23 PM
Turkle says

No, I see it as giving the consumer products that they want. This does nothing to drive down the seat performance of the M3. That is one thing that the body kit cannot help witha nd will not duplicate. Yes, the person that buys the M kit is posing, but they are still posing in an exceptional car, just not the top of the line.
Wed Aug 20 2008 10:25 PM
NoNameDenton says

Do not like the hood
Thu Aug 21 2008 7:12 AM
Renton says

They are not posing. The cars are significantly different and any decent enthusiast can tell the difference.

These body packages do not make an ///M. As someone who owned two ///M3s and now owns a 335i coupe I could care less about what anybody thinks. In fact the new ///M3 is a mild curiosity but I don't want one. Because there is no where around where I live to drive it.

I think it is a good idea th a BMW gives you these choices.

The parts are expensive though, and putting them on is essentially throwing money away. Because at the end of the car is still a non-///M car and worth whatever a stock version is.

Now if you stick an ///M3 badge on it and try to pass it off as one...then you are a poser-douche.

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